Kawann Short

Combine Results

Grade

Draft Analysis:

"They just doubled down on defensive tackles. Star Lotulelei fell to them with the 14th pick in the first round. Now, a position of strength and an identity on defense for them as a three-tackle rotation." -- Mike Mayock

6'3" Height

34 3/4" Arm Length

299LBS. Weight

9 3/4" Hands

Overview

For the second straight season, Purdue players voted Short one of their team captains. Though not all NFL scouts believe wearing a C should mean something in terms of player evaluation, its a fact that cant be ignored when adding it to his obvious combination of size and athleticism. Short considered entering the NFL draft after a strong junior campaign, but the NFL draft advisory committee gave him feedback stating he would be no worse than a third-round pick. He improved on his consistency as a senior while playing inside and outside in a multiple-front Boilermakers' defense. Look for Short to land in the top 50 overall picks as a starter for 3-4 or 4-3 teams at the next level.

As a redshirt freshman, Short started all 12 games and received Freshman All-American honors after making 48 tackles, four for loss, and two interceptions during the year. The leagues media gave him honorable mention notice for his sophomore year efforts, as he finished in the top five in the conference in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (six). Short again started every game (making it 37 straight) in 2011, garnering second-team All-Big Ten accolades from coaches and media with his 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also blocked two kicks for the second straight season. He displayed the toughness to fight through an ankle injury in his senior season, accumulating 47 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks on his way to earning second-team All-America honors, as well as making first-team All-Big Ten.

Analysis

Strengths

Potential starter with NFL size and length who can be as good as he wants to be. Plays every position on the interior line for the Boilermakers. Very crafty and slippery through double teams. Good upper body strength to rip off his man and make plays in the run game, as well as arm-over leaning linemen to pressure the passer. Good hand-eye coordination to swipe at blockers hands and keep them off his body. Experience two-gaping, moving his man or spinning off to either side to stop ball carriers getting past the line. Shows a good burst to the ball when he sees it directly in front of the backfield. Tough for ball carriers to shed because of his long arms and strong hands. Capable of pushing his man into the backfield with his thick arms and strong lower body. Feels a feigned block on screen plays. Drops into short coverage in the middle of the field on fire zones and holds his own in short areas.

Weaknesses

Frame is out of proportion, as he has thin legs and holds extra weight in the middle of his body. Needs to find the ball consistently, regularly gets fooled by misdirection. Gets upright out of his stance. Does not have closing speed to chase plays away from the trenches. Play-to-play effort is questionable; stands around to watch the play too often, especially when tired or playing against better talent. Struggles when he cant win with quickness, and is inconsistent anchoring vs base blocks and double teams. Doesn't have an array of moves to disengage.

NFL Comparison

Randy Starks

Bottom Line

Purdues two-time team captain earned All-Big Ten recognition in 2011 and 2012 using his NFL size and surprising athleticism, the same attributes making Short a potential starter in 4-3 or 3-4 systems at the next level if he controls his weight and improves his consistency. He is a good athlete for his size, but needs to get stronger and get in better shape. Hes had a productive and decorated career at Purdue, and is a big body with quickness, and figures to go in the top 60 picks of the draft.

×

Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.